Explore Reykjavik, a city that treasures its Viking past but lives for the present and the future.

Journey to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which is dominated by the Snæfellsjökull glacier, where according to Jules Verne's book "the entrance to the centre of the earth" can be found.

Take a boat ride among the icebergs of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon before continuing to the Skaftafell National Park to walk on the glaciers.

Visit Landmannalaugar with its many coloured rhyolite mountains, obsidian lava field and natural hot springs.

Marvel at Gullfoss, "The Golden Waterfall", a hugely powerful and beautiful waterfall that plunges in two stages into a drift valley and also experience Iceland's famous geothermal area where the Strokkur Geyser bursts forth every few minutes in a cloud of steam.

Tour Overview

Iceland is misnamed, as only 11 per cent of this island of "fire and ice" is actually covered in permanent frozen water. Rather this is a newborn land where the earth's crust is at its thinnest and elemental forces of creation are at work as the European and North American plates tear apart to form arguably the most fascinating geology in the world.

Our 16 night Icelandic Discovery explores this country’s raging rivers, massive waterfalls, magnificent glaciers, spouting geysers, steaming solfataras and awe-inspiring landscape. But we also learn about the culture and history of this least densely populated country in Europe. This is a land of rich Viking sagas and eddas and it boasts possibly the oldest parliament in the world!

We meet the creative and ingenious Icelanders in both the country's tiny port capital, Reykjavik, and in the stunning landscape, as we learn what it is like to live on this tempestuous but awe-inspiring island.

Due to the geography of Iceland, any exploration tends to have to ‘circle the island’ to see the great geological and natural highlights it has to offer. Distances covered are not great but it is more convenient to stay overnight in suitable locations and to follow the natural route around the island rather than to stay longer in any one area. Our 18 day program allows us to experience the many highlights of Iceland at a leisurely pace and learn much about the country’s geography, geology, history, culture and people.

There is the opportunity to extend your stay to the amazing Ice-Fjord of Greenland and / or to the stunning scenery of the Faroe Islands.

Tour Inclusions

17 nights en-suite hotel accommodation

Typical local breakfast daily and 16 dinners

Touring by comfortable and modern mini-coach

Transport, lectures and field trips as indicated Applicable entry fees and services of local guides Services of a Program Leader

Gratuities and necessary tips

Detailed Program Information Booklet

Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, Reykjavik

Vatnajokull Glacier in Skaftafell National Park

Strokkur geyser

Modern church in the town of Stykkisholmur

Stykkisholmur Harbour

Vik

Godafoss Waterfall

Humpback jumping near Husavik

Moderate

This program includes placeswhich can only be explored on foot and where walking tours may be a little longer and not always on the flat. Accommodation may have some stairs and or have some rooms which may involve some walking to access. All our programs naturally involve some walking in order to discover bet­ter the places visited and, although we arrange porterage where this is available, participants are expected to be able to handle their own bags. Our program leaders will always try to make as much of the program as possible available for those who find walking longer distances, uphill or down steps difficult but, in same places, this cannot always be avoided. If you have any concerns at all about your level of fitness, please do not hesitate to talk to us and discuss further with the experts who know the particular demands of each program.

Register your interest early

Golden Compass’s UK, European, Asian and other educational travel programs are only available by booking direct with Golden Compass Tours. This gives you a cost saving by cutting out the middle-man and dealing direct with the specialist who actually arranges your tour on the ground.

Follow these simple steps to secure your place on one of our unique tours:

Select the program or programs you are interested in joining, make a note of the program code that appears next to the program price (eg: GCTAD17) and call us on 1800 132 385 to check availability and hold an option.

Complete the details you have available (we understand your flights and travel insurance details may not be confirmed when you make your booking).

Print and sign your form, then simply scan and email your form direct to info@goldencompasstours.com.au. If you prefer you can post it to our Australian postal address at:

Golden Compass, PO Box 163, Keiraville, NSW 2500, Australia.

Please note we require a deposit of AUD500 per person per program with the full balance for each tour being due 70 days prior to the start of your program or programs. Your contract is direct with Golden Compass Tours Australia

Once the deposit payment has been taken you will then be sent your confirmation letter either by email or post (as you prefer). An invoice for the balance will be issued to you 12 weeks prior to the departure of your first tour or tours. Full payment by MasterCard, Visa or electronic bank transfer is required 70 days prior to the start of your tour. Payment will be taken by Golden Compass Tours from you in Australian dollars.

If you need any assistance please call our Freephone number on 1800 132 385.

Complete the details you have available (we understand your flights and travel insurance details may not be confirmed when you make your booking).

Print and sign your form, then simply scan and email your form direct to info@goldencompasstours.com.au. If you prefer you can post your form to our Australian postal address at:

Golden Compass, PO Box 163, Keiraville, NSW 2500, Australia.

Please note we require a deposit of AUD500 per person per program with the full balance for each tour being due 80 days prior to the start of your program or programs in the UK, Europe or North Africa.

Once the deposit payment has been taken you will then be sent your confirmation letter either by email or post (as you prefer). An invoice for the balance will be issued to you 12 weeks prior to the departure of your first tour or tours. Full payment by MasterCard, Visa or electronic bank transfer is required 70 days prior to the start of your tour. Payment will be taken by Golden Compass from you in Australian dollars.

If you need any assistance please call our Freecall number on 1800 132 385.

Moderate

This program includes placeswhich can only be explored on foot and where walking tours may be a little longer and not always on the flat. Accommodation may have some stairs and or have some rooms which may involve some walking to access. All our programs naturally involve some walking in order to discover bet­ter the places visited and, although we arrange porterage where this is available, participants are expected to be able to handle their own bags. Our program leaders will always try to make as much of the program as possible available for those who find walking longer distances, uphill or down steps difficult but, in same places, this cannot always be avoided. If you have any concerns at all about your level of fitness, please do not hesitate to talk to us and discuss further with the experts who know the particular demands of each program.